Itanagar, Jul 18: This is the CCTV footage captured on April 15, 2012 (see footage
in pix). The office of The Arunachal Times was vandalized by a group of over 10 unidentified
youths on April 15 in between 3.45 pm to 4 pm. They had trespassed into the news
desk, went on a rampage without any reason and destroyed computer sets. While some
of the members had rampaged the office systematically, few others stood guard making
it impossible for the employees to retaliate.

An FIR was lodged with the Itanagar Police Station on the same day with a plea to
nab the miscreants.

On the verbal request of law enforcing authority, the CCTV footage was not published
earlier so that it does not hamper investigation process. Though the footage was
provided to law enforcing authority for proper investigation, till date no miscreants
have been arrested.

However, seeing the importance of CCTV footages which help investigating agencies
to solve many criminal cases across the country in recent time, here we produced
the footage so that people can extend cooperation to media and the investigating
agencies to nab the miscreants, maintain peace and tranquility and bring back a sense
of security to all the citizens of the state.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Press fraternity does not know whether the
person shown in the TV footage was connected with the recent attack on Tongam Rina
or not.

It remains as a question, why the law enforcing authority did not arrest any one
involved in April 15 vandalism ?

We request the state Govt to give justice to the media persons and arrest the culprit(s)
who attacked Tongam on Sunday last.

Why this indifference to the repeated attacks on the media ? Is the law enforcing
authority unwilling to act due to reasons best known to them or are their hands tied
due to interference?

Press fraternity seeks Governor’s intervention for justice & security

ITANAGAR, Jul 18: A delegation of media persons, led by Arunachal Press Club president
Taba Ajum and Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalist general secretary Dodum
Yangfo called on the Governor General (Retd.) JJ Singh at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar on
July 18.

Interacting with the media persons, the Governor stated that any kind of violence
is against the interest of Arunachal Pradesh and its future generations. No society
can develop and improve socio-economically, if there is no peace. Arunachal Pradesh
has been a peaceful State and must remain so, he said adding all of us have a stake
in ensuring communal harmony and peace; this alone can result in prosperity.

Condemning the recent incident of violence in strongest terms, he said that it is
a challenge and we must not shy away from our responsibility. All out efforts are
being made to nab the perpetrators of this crime and help from the public would be
vitally important to nab the culprit.

Assuring that corrective steps will be taken, which includes patrolling and security
around the general area near the media houses, Governor said that each member of
the society has a role to play and they must sincerely do their duties.

Expressing concern over the repeated attack on media persons, the delegation appealed
to the Governor to intervene and give justice to Tongam Rina, who was attacked by
an unidentified gunman on Sunday last.

While submitting a memorandum to the Governor, the delegation further appealed him
to intervene and take suitable steps for safety and security of the lives and properties
of the media fraternity who have been working under constant threats.

In its memorandum, the Press fraternity resented that despite providing CCTV footage
with clear identities of two of the miscreants, who had ransacked the Arunachal Times’
office on April 15, 2012, home department has failed to nab the culprits. Though
the state Govt assured to the press fraternity of all possible help after April 15,
last incident, nothing has materialized so far, the memorandum said. Terming the
Govt’s failure to nab the culprits involved in attack on media persons in recent
past as ‘sheer lack of will’, the delegation urged the Governor to intervene and
direct the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) to intervene and
fight for justice for Tongam and Appu Gapak and Nyapi Bomjen, who were assaulted
in recent past.

“Lip service, as has been served in the past, to the ‘fourth pillar’ won’t serve
any good purpose to the common cause of building a healthy society, the memorandum
added.

Yesterday, a delegation of Adi Galo community called on the Governor General J J
Singh at Raj Bhavan and submitted a 10-point memorandum to the Governor. They requested
the Governor for his intervention in addressing their grievances, which includes
recent case of attempt on life of senior journalist Tongam Rina, attack on many individuals
and properties and other heinous crimes in Capital Complex.

While expressing his grave concern on the recent incidences of crimes, the Governor
assured the representatives that he would do his best to ensure that law and order
is maintained and thereby remove the feeling of insecurity amongst the general public.

Giving a patient hearing to their grievances, the Governor appealed to the community
leaders to maintain peace and harmony.

Itanagar becomes safe haven for criminals: BJP

Correspondent

PASIGHAT, Jul 18: Reacting to the assasination bid on a journalist of this daily,
opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today said that the people of Arunachal Pradesh
are not safe under Nabam Tuki-led Congress Government in the state.

“The indifferent attitude of the ruling Congress Government over the law and order
situation is encouraging the criminals to commit heinous crime in the state capital
in broad daylight,” BJP National Secretary and former MP Tapir Gao claimed. The soft
approach of the State Government towards criminals and criminal activities would
lead to “Talibanization” of the State, the Gao feared. He alleged that the unabated
corruption by the Congress Government has resulted in increase in heinous crime in
the state.

Referring to a central government’s decision to allocate Rs 30 lakh fund to each
Maoist disturbed district of the country, Gao alleged that the State Government is
neglecting the insurgency problem of the state.

Vehemently condemning the recent attack on the journalist, the National BJP Secretary
urged the State Government to address the security issues instead of being a mute
spectator to the burning problem.

“Attack on journalist is not only a cowardice act but an attempt to murder democracy,”
he opined.

The East Siang district BJP committee president Tamat Gamoh also vehemently condemned
the assasination bid on the journalist and opined that assault on media is not tolerable
in a democratic country.

Meanwhile, All East Siang District Students’ Union, Central and Eastern Arunachal
People’s Organization, Adi Students Union, All Bogong Students’ Union, Galo Welfare
Society, Galo Students Union East Siang unit and PRI leaders of the district today
assembled in a meeting at Pasighat and decided to stage a dharna in front of DC’s
office tomorrow to demand early arrest of the assailant (s) of Tongam Rina.

Informing that 25 students from remote villages are being trained in the coaching
centre by former national gold medalist and NIS and National Coach Ch. Permita Devi
on contract basis, Abraham urged the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki to sanction a weightlifting
indoor stadium and five weightlifting NIS coach on priority basis. The AWA president
was hopeful of producing Olympic medalist within a couple years, if the facilities
are provided.

Arunachal Olympic Association Secretary General G Doke demanded the chief minister
through a memorandum to either appointment a person associated with sports association
having thorough knowledge on sports and good management skill as chairman of Sports
Authority of Arunachal (SAA) or create a post of Vice Chairman for development of
sports sector.

“Though the SAA was revived in 2006-07 after dissolution of AP State Sports Council,
its main objective could not be achieved till date due to appointment of the Chairman
from the elected representative, who does not have knowledge on games and sports,
the memorandum allged.

Claiming non-implementation of 10% sports quota for meritorious sportspersons in
state police department despite approval of the same in cabinet in March 2010, the
memorandum urged the CM to instruct the Administrative Reform (O&M) department to
immediately process the file for issuance of notification to this effect so that
the meritorious sports persons could be absorbed in the police department.

Other demands included relaxation in recruitment criteria, especially in height and
physical tests, like high jump, long jump, running race etc for sports persons of
different disciplines, abolition of 100m race for both male and female candidates,
adoption of state sports team in State Police Department.

The students of Sangey Lhaden Sports Academy, Sports Authority of India, Special
Area Game Centre, Naharlagun and others have demonstrated Judo, Karate, Archery,
Teakwondo, Weightlifting etc. on the occasion.

Condemnations pour in

ITANAGAR, Jul 18: Condemnations are still pouring in from various organizations,
associations, NGOs over attempt on life of Tongam Rina.

Condemning the brutal attack on the lady journalist, Youth Network Movement of Arunachal
(YNMA), appealed to the State Government to bring the culprit (s) to book at the
earliest award them exemplary punishment.

While demanding security for all the local press establishments to avoid recurrence
of such attacks in future, YNMA said that despite repeated pleas by the Press fraternity,
the Govt has utterly failed to provide security to the media houses. It claimed that
soft approach towards the criminals has encouraged crime in the state, particularly
in capital complex.

YNMA urged the government to wake up from deep slumber and act swiftly to contain
the growing law and order situation. The Galo Students’ Union (GSU), in an emergency
meeting yesterday, gave the state government seven days to arrest the culprit (s)
involved in the attack on Tongam or else it would be compelled to launch democratic
movement in form of bandh call. While condemning the assasination bid, the students
union also demanded a CBI inquiry into the matter to unearth the truth behind the
whole episode.

All Idu Mishmi Students Union (AIMSU) strongly condemned the intended assassination
of the lady journalist and called on the state government to deal ruthlessly with
the perpetrators of this unjustified action.

“We demand immediate and thorough investigation of the case so as to hold those responsible
for this aggression accountable,” said AIMSU president Lokha Elapra in a release
today.

“Violence against journalists is an attack against free expression and the society
as a whole, and we strongly condemn all such acts.”

“We call on authorities to protect journalists and to promote a secure environment
for journalists so as to prevent them from being easy target of those against the
free voice,” added the release.

Condemning the life attempt on the senior journalist, Lapung Welfare Society (LWS)
has demanded the government to apprehend the culprit(s) at the earliest and award
them stringent punishment under appropriate section of the law.

While venting out its anger over repeated attack on the poor journalists, some of
who get salary even less than “E” grade Govt employees, the LWS appealed to the Arunachal
Press Club and Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalist to stop working for
atleast a year so that the people can understand the value and importance of Media.

The Lohit Youth Library readers and volunteers have expressed utter shock over the
heinous violence perpetrated by anti-social elements on Tongam and prayed for her
speedy recovery and safety and security of all the upright and conscientious journalists
in Arunachal Pradesh.

“It’s very shocking to hear such crimes in our State. Arunachal has been one of peaceful
State and such criminal acts must not be tolerated,” Padmashri Awardee Binny Yanga
said while condemning the attack on the lady journo.

She appealed to the people to be vigilant and cooperate with Police to fight crime
and criminals.

“I am relieved that Tongam is out of danger now and I wish her for quick recovery,
Yanga added.

While condemning the brutal attack on the senior lady journalist, Arunachal Vikas
Parishad Likabali Youth Volunteer Association, All East Siang Anti-Corruption Forum,
West Siang District Students’ Union, All Shertuken Youth Welfare Association, Ramle
Banggo Welfare Society, Ramle Banggo Welfare Society, Siang Contractor and Supplier
Union, have appealed to the state government to apprehend the culprit (s) at the
earliest and give them exemplary punishment.

“The assailant (s) should be brought to book immediately and award exemplary punishment
so as to restore confidence in the minds of the press fraternity, they said in separte
statements.

While praying for quick recovery of Tongam, they urged the state government to uphold
and ensure the right to freedom of expression in Arunachal Pradesh to protect the
democratic credentials of the country.

ITANAGAR, Jul 18: Arunachal Pradesh Democratic Youth Association (APDYA) has called
12-hour Capital Complex bandh on July 23. The association’s demands included removal
of the present director of school education and appointing a candidate from AGMUT
cadre to the post; cancellation of illegal appointment to Group C and Group D category
posts and the arrest of the cashier allegedly involved in a fund misappropriation
case.

Association protests appointment

ITANAGAR, Jul 18: In its representation to general manager of Hyderabad based M/s
Sushee-IV RCL AH Ltd, All Papu Valley Youth Welfare Association has lodged its protest
against the company for allegedly appointing public relation officer(PRO) and C
and D grade staff from other area. The Association said the Company has deprived
the bonafide residents by appointing the staff from other area. It demanded appointments
of local people and threatened to obstruct works of the company which is executing
the Trans Arunachal Highway in the area.

GPF stages protest rally, calls on Governor

ITANAGAR, Jul 18: Around 1200 volunteers under the banner of Galo People’s Federation
(GPF) yesterday organized protest march from Mopin-Solung Ground to the Raj Bhawan
in protest against attack on senior journalist Tongam Rina and demanding proclamation
of President’s Rule in the state for effective delivery system.

Later, a GPF delegation called on the Governor J J Singh and apprised him of the
alarming law and order situation in the state including attack on Tongam Rina. The
GPF said that the Governor assured the delegation of justice to Tongam Rina and
has immediately instructed the Capital DC to swing into action. On the demand for
President’s Rule, the governor sought time, the Federation claimed.

The delegation also highlighted the looting incidents vandalism, burning of APST
bus station, reported attack on individuals and ransacking of Arunachal Times office
in recent past.

While giving a patience hearing to the grievances of the delegation, the Governor
advocated peace as a prerequisite for finding a solution to the issues and asked
for sufficient time for solving the criminal cases, the GPF said.

Union retreats demands

ITANAGAR, Jul 18: Retreating its earlier demands for land allotment of Nyokum ground
at Hapoli-Ziro, Lower Subansiri District Students Union today gave one month time
to the district administration to fulfill its demand. Claiming that various government
officials of Yachuli and Raga sub-divisions are functioning from Ziro, the union
urged the district administration to direct the officials to work at posted place.

BB revived

ITANAGAR, Jul 18: Two-day Bogum Bokang consultative meeting was held at Itanagar
recently to discuss the matters related to revival of the institution of Bogum Bokang.

During the meeting the house resolved to revive the activities of Bogum Bokang and
to work out the modalities.

On the occasion, resource person and Mushroom Growers Society Tripura president Chanda
Debbarman highlighted about Banana Fibre and also demonstrated its finished products
made out of Banana.

RDS president Tabu Dui urged the concern authorities and banking sector to provide
financial help to self help groups.

Five houses gutted

ITANAGAR, Jul 18: Five houses along with properties were gutted down in a different
fire accidents at Bogum village, Limeking circle and Siyum circle recently.

Siyum Nacho Limeking Taksing Students’ Union appealed to the district authority and
the state government to provide immediate relief fund to the fire victims and initiate
step to avert such incident in near future.

ITANAGAR, Jul 18: Arunachal Pradesh Police has announced Rs.2 lakh reward for anyone
giving specific information or clue leading to arrest of the assailants of Tongam
Rina, Associate Editor of Arunachal Times.

The informer/s name and address would be kept secret and they may contact Capital
SP on his mobile no. 9436040006, according to a release issued by Capital SP.

ABK demands immediate arrest of culprit (s)

ITANAGAR, Jul 18: A team of Adi Bane Kabang (ABK) led by its president Kangir Jamoh,
general secretary Bodong Yirang and secretary N Tondrang met Chief Minister at his
residence today and expressed their discontentment over the law and order scenario
in state capital, particularly attack on the Arunachal Times, Associated Editor Tongam
Rina on July 15 last.

The ABK team urged the Chief Minister to initiate step for immediate arrest of the
culprit/s who attacked Tongam and award exemplary punishment so that such unfortunate
incident is not repeated in the peace loving state.

Expressing their solidarity with the victim and her family, ABK also appealed to
one and all irrespective of any community not to politicize the unfortunate incident.

Protect the freedom of Press

Dear Editor,

Recent attack on the noted Investigative Journalist, Tongam Rina, is a matter of
concern not only for media fraternity but also for every citizen who believes in
democratic values.

No one can ignore the fact that the print media enjoyed some freedoms even under
the British rule and it played a significant role during the freedom movement. After
independence it engaged itself in massive transformation of the society by development
support communication, exposing social injustice, corruption and other evils. In
fact, we owe much to the press insofar as our socio-economic and cultural developments
are concerned. In a composite society like ours; journalist have enormous responsibilities
and to do justice to their duty; they deserve conducive environment. Unfortunately,
since the last few years newsmen have become soft targets of the criminals. Editors
and Reporters are spokesmen of the society. Frequent assaults on the media persons
are attempts to gag the voice of the people. No lawful citizen will support the act
of coercion and bid to subjugate the Fourth Estate. The first Prime Minister, Pt.
J.L. Nehru also strongly advocated the role and freedom of the Press. Freedom of
Speech and Expression from which the Press Freedom is derived, guaranteed by the
Constitution is now under threat.

The rising crime-graph in the capital complex is a matter of great concern for one
and all. In the prevailing environment of insecurity and turmoil; the citizens will
naturally expect the authorities to act without fear or favour. One of the effective
remedies might be to award 'full punishment' to the offenders. The Independence of
the press and other social fabric must be protected.

Yours’

Kirtu Riba, Itanagar

Mere hyperbole and consolation words are not enough!

Dear Editor,

It is a matter of great shame on the part of our govt. that in the heart of the Capital
Complex, an eminent, young, promising journalist is being shot at at the premise
of her own office without an ounce of fear!

Why is there a constant law and order fiasco whereas the so called govt. has always
turned down the charge saying that it is being maintained thoroughly? If so, why
such a vehement attack to our leading journalist has taken place? Moreover, it was
not the first attempt of the goons to terrorize the media fraternity. The memory
of last time's vandalism in the Arunachal Times office by the anti-social elements
has not been erased off yet. Why does our govt. so self-engrossed in their own political
games and issues? Why don't they realize and understand that it is the common people
who elect them. Why the Govt is least bothered about the citizens welfare, security,
problems and basic amenities and blows only trumpet in the air exaggerating with
high voltage, hyperbole words and promises that can even shake a mountain!

But the truth is that an empty vessels makes much sounds and the lofty words are
just like a vacuum, which easily gets compressed in times. When we look back, we
could see numerous cases of reckless law and order during las few months. Now, the
fact is that the Govt. has utterly failed to check the proper functioning of the
system and its lackadaisical attitude results in such incidents which has now become
a common thing in the Capital. Such heinous acts pop up every now and then below
the govt., administrators’ nose without any remedies and cautions!

Media Fraternity is the voice of all sections of people. They are the best spectators
and mirror of the society. We the people as a whole strongly condemned the atrocities
being committed to them.

Mere high and resounding words won't do this time. Our today’s silence will lead
to another promising Tongam Rina's brutal attack tomorrow and the next victim could
be from our own household.

Therefore, it is a humble appeal to the Govt. that they should wake up from their
slumber and give ear to the cry of the public and take stern step to nab the culprit
who attacked Tongam and put him behind the bar immediately and save their much defamed
and tarnished image.

Yours.

Sempey Taipodia

R.G.U, Rono Hills

Tongam Rina is epitome of democracy and neutrality

Dear Editor,

Murder or shooting in broad daylight or in the busiest area is perhaps an every-minute/second
occurrence in this great land named India! Thus though such gory news are unfortunate
to the extreme, it has lost all shocking element due to the "enviable" regularity!
However, when a highly respectable journalist, who also happens to be the Associate
Editor of reputed Arunachal Times, gets shot at by miscreant(s); a chill passes down
our spine. If personalities like Tongam Rina gets assaulted in such cold-blood, then
the insecurity of common folk can easily be deduced.

Tongam Rina is nothing but the epitome of democracy and neutrality in this highly
intolerant, hypocrite and undemocratic society of ours. We are in urgent need of
having such unique personalities in our midst so as to enrich the society.

The administration of Arunachal Pradesh should nab the culprits immediately and the
judiciary should award capital punishment for them and the conspirators who are behind
the brutal attack on her. People who don't respect the human rights of others should
also not expect human rights for themselves. Only extreme punishment like hanging
to death for all murders and murder-attempts will deter the criminals of India from
even thinking of nipping the precious life of anyone.

Let's pray to the Almighty that the brave and upright Tongam Rina emerges winner
in this hour of crisis and continue to enlighten this bankrupt and rotten society
through her mighty pen and noble deeds.

Yours,

Kajal Chatterjee, Kolkata

Declare results

Dear Editor,

I would like to appeal to the DDSE or authority of education department, Pasighat,
to kindly declare the result of LDC or UDC interview. I could not understand the
process involves in declaring the result while other districts have already declared
results and appointments were also made. Sometime, it comes in my mind that the
high authority of education department are trying to sale the post of LDC or UDC
but no one can purchase the post because it is so costly and that is why posts of
LDC or UDC are kept unannounce!

Yours,

Obit Padung

New campaign for better ways to grow

Despite enormous growth in economic and political power, 46 per cent of Indian children
are malnourished, and 1 in 3 of the world’s hungry live in India. Yet India stands
on the threshold of potentially the largest step toward food justice the world has
ever seen, as the National Food Security Bill works its way through parliament with
a view to being passed during its current term, covering about 70 per cent of households.

Oxfam India and the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) have brought out a new
Food Justice bulletin, which examines the issue of food justice in India. Standing
on the Threshold: Food Justice in India’ brings together the views of some of India’s
leading practitioners and academics. It addresses key questions including how to
ensure the rights of marginalized people are protected, how to empower women and
how to assess government commitments to reducing hunger.

The food Justice bulletin is being published as part of the Grow campaign, which
is Oxfam’s new campaign for better ways to grow, share, and live together. A campaign
for the billions of us who eat food and over a billion men and women who grow it,
to share solutions for a more hopeful future in which everyone always has enough
to eat.

India being a strategic country for the Grow campaign, and last year, the campaign
was launched simultaneously in New Delhi and five other cities in India—Guwahati,
Hyderabad, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Patna.